Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Wednesday Wedding Inspiration: A Tradition

Old, New, Borrowed, Blue

This one has been around for ages, and in all the years I've been photographing weddings, almost all brides still try to uphold this tradition. Let's get into a few creative ideas that you can use to hold on to this tradition, but with style.

Of course, "new" is the easiest. Just about everything you have for the wedding can fit into this category. When you want to get into the "old" category, you can still go very simple. But here are a few interesting things to consider. Many girls have jewelry passed down from their mother or grandmother. Instead of purchasing a whole new set of jewelry, talk to the older women in the family. Almost always you can find someone willing to donate to you a beautiful vintage piece that will go with your style. Another great option for this if you would like to get your jewelry new or to match your maids, try an old brooch or hairclip from your grandmother or other family member as an addition to your updo or as an accent piece on your dress. It's a new take on the tradition that keeps to the old without being boring.

As for "borrowed", I like the idea of borrowing a piece from a friend or family member with a special story. A necklace is perfect, and instead of wearing it, you can have it worked in or wrapped around the stem of your bouquet. A family heirloom hankerchief is another thought, and although it's also old, borrow it from the owner, and perhaps it will someday be yours to pass down. With these items somewhere within your bouquet, you can hold that special someone or story with you throughout the day.

Then there is "blue." Many brides today go with the blue garter, as often when their color is not blue, they don't want it to go against the color scheme. And everyone knows that the garter doesn't make an appearance until the end of the evening. But to switch it up, try using a blue jeweled necklace (a big, fancy sapphire just screams classy), or even better, some stylish blue heels, that no one will see, unless you want them to!

Get creative with your ideas! Find something perfect that matches your style but incorporates all the special parts of your day; friends, family, heritage, whatever helps to make this old tradition your very own.

Photo credits... the top image is of Shannon Considine's dress from her wedding last October, the image of the bouquet and cross is of Monica Zelt from just this past May, and the shoes belong to Claire Grimm, who was married just over a year ago in the beginning of June. Thanks ladies!
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